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Earle T. Merchant
Set of Four Naive Folk Art Portraits

1961, 1961, 1967, 1970

About the Item

A set of four naive portraits by self-taught American artist Earle T. Merchant (1903-1997). Merchant was born in Gloucester, and started his law education at Boston University Law School, earning a law degree during the late 1920s. By 1928 he had joined a law practice with offices on Main Street in Gloucester. By the early 1960s, Earle Merchant was focusing intently on painting, creating portraits, nude studies and landscapes. He joined a portrait sketch group at the Rockport Art Association and volunteered as “monitor” of the group, preparing the studio for students and arranging for models. In addition, he oversaw the Art Association’s life sketch group which focused on painting nudes. Merchant’s involvements were not confined to Rockport as he also organized a life sketch group at the North Shore Arts Association in East Gloucester. Over a span of 20 years, Merchant captured the likenesses of hundreds of Cape Ann residents from local characters such as Floyd the Clam Digger and Bill the Catnip Man, to district judges and their wives, businessmen and shop owners, retired fishermen, waitresses and fellow artists. Each are oil on canvasboard, signed, with sitters recorded on verso “Julie Marchand, Wed. June 28,1961; Miss Lisa Gebhardt, Age 14, Wed. June 14,1967; Robert Hawkins, Wed. Jan 28, 1970; John B. Hemenway, Wed. Aug 30, 1961” and housed in rustic wooden molded frames. Dimensions: Each are 20” H x 16” W, actual; approximately 19” H x 15” W, framed.
  • Creator:
    Earle T. Merchant (1903 - 1977, American)
  • Creation Year:
    1961, 1961, 1967, 1970
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 19 in (48.26 cm)Width: 15 in (38.1 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Each are in very good condition, with minimal imperfections. Please contact us directly for a full condition report before purchasing.
  • Gallery Location:
    Milford, NH
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 90601stDibs: LU931311047322
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